Marcus Knecht
| AB | 2538 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .241 |
| OBP | .327 |
| SLG | .393 |
| HR | 59 |
- Full name Marcus Allen Knecht
- Born 06/21/1990 in Toronto, ON, Canada
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Connors State Junior College
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Drafted in the C-B round (113th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2010 (signed for $250,000).
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After getting drafted in the 23rd round by the Brewers and playing for Canada at the World Junior Championship in 2008, Knecht went to Oklahoma State and got just 12 at-bats as a freshman last spring. Unhappy with his playing time, he transferred to Connors State, where he has electrified scouts. Knecht's 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame generates plenty of bat speed and raw righthanded power. He ranked among the national juco leaders in hitting (.453) and homers (21), though he struggled at times to make consistent contact against good velocity. Knecht is more than just a slugger. He ran a 6.55-second 60-yard dash during Connors State's scout day in the fall, and he earns solid 55 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale for his speed and his accurate arm. He lacks the instincts for center field and played left for the Cowboys this spring, and it's possible he could play right field as a pro. Knecht doesn't have a long track record, but his huge power potential and all-around tools are attractive to teams. He has committed to North Carolina State, though he's expected to turn pro after getting drafted in the first three rounds. The Blue Jays have a natural interest in Canadians and could choose Knecht as early as the sandwich round.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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A Canadian, Knecht played for the national team at the 2008 World Junior Championships. After declining to sign with the Brewers as a a 23rd-round pick out of a Toronto high school in 2008, he initially attended Oklahoma State but got just 12 at-bats as a freshman. He transferred to Connors State (Okla.) JC for 2010, when he hit .453 with 21 homers and slugged his way into the supplemental third round. He was part of an all-prospect Lansing outfield last year, playing left field alongside Jake Marisnick and Michael Crouse. Knecht's best tool is his bat, as he has plus bat speed and power potential. He uses a quick, line-drive stroke to hit to all fields. He's still raw, but he shows a willingness to draw walks. The rest of his game is nothing special, as he's a fringy runner whose arm is average at best. He's an adequate defender best suited for left field, and he has the offensive upside to profile there. Crouse and Knecht are neck-and-neck on the organization depth chart and should advance together in the short term, teaming up again in high Class A in 2012. -
After getting just 12 at-bats as a freshman for Oklahoma State, Knecht transferred to Connors State (Okla.) JC and intrigued scouts with his upside. He ranked among the national juco leaders in batting (.453) and homers (21), playing his way into the supplemental third round and earning a $250,000 bonus. The Blue Jays have a long history with Knecht, a native Canadian. He met Toronto scouting director Andrew Tinnish when he was 11 years old and began working with him on his hitting at age 14. The first thing evaluators notice about Knecht is his tremendous bat speed. He has raw power to all fields and hit several balls into the Rogers Centre's second deck during a predraft workout. He was able to handle short-season pitching in his pro debut, giving the Jays confidence that he'll hit for a solid average. Knecht's speed and arm are slightly above average, though he doesn't quite have the quickness or instincts to play in center field. He fits best in right field, where he saw most of his action during the summer. A broken foot sidelined Knecht with about a week left in the season, but he was able to return to action before the end of instructional league. He'll advance to low Class A in 2011.
